Oklahoma orders first shipment of Bibles for use in public school classrooms

[Aunty Jane]

So if they want to teach the Bible, at least they'll learn the Bible.

How does one “learn the Bible”? It’s a big book and it has a lot to teach, but are school teachers equipped to teach what is a very deep book at times. It contains graphic depictions of war and violence, but probably no worse than the video games they already play. What would they select from the Bible to teach? If they disagreed with the Scriptures, would they teach their personal slant on things? Would we want that?

Sex education is basically first hand even in primary school these days. Kids experimenting with graphic sex accessed on their phones. School is just a cess pit. I would not send my kids to any public school these days, but I would try to form a mothers group to home school a group of children with each Mom giving one or more days a week of their time to help get through the curriculum. In my experience, teaching one child at home requires just a couple of hours a day. The rest can be spent being a child.…playing outdoors and learning practical skills, like cooking and budgeting. No homework! Not needed after hours spent in the classroom. This is where grandparents can get involved if they are able and live close enough.

It isn't teaching theology, it's teaching the Bible. Now you may say "well, that's my job as a parent to teach my child about religion," it's also your job as a parent to teach your child morale and sex education, but guess what? The schools do that now, and they're teaching our children that boys can be girls and girls can be boys, and there's NOTHING you can do about it, except pull your child out and home-school them if you can afford to.

It’s the same here….and no doubt in many other countries…..do we really expect anything else this late in the day? Satan was gonna get angry towards the end, and create all manner of distractions and diversions to lead people astray. He knows that he is going down…but he is going to take as many down with him as he can.

 

[Berean]

How does one “learn the Bible”? It’s a big book and it has a lot to teach, but are school teachers equipped to teach what is a very deep book at times. It contains graphic depictions of war and violence, but probably no worse than the video games they already play. What would they select from the Bible to teach? If they disagreed with the Scriptures, would they teach their personal slant on things? Would we want that?

I don't know, I haven't seen the curriculum, but according to one source:

“As a historical document, as a cultural document, it absolutely should be taught in schools,” Lankford, a pastor, said. “As a religious document, that’s up to parents and to faith leaders off-campus.”​

So as a historical and cultural document, it will be taught, as a religious document it will not, that will be up to parents to teach their children.

Sex education is basically first hand even in primary school these days. Kids experimenting with graphic sex accessed on their phones. School is just a cess pit. I would not send my kids to any public school these days, but I would try to form a mothers group to home school a group of children with each Mom giving one or more days a week of their time to help get through the curriculum. In my experience, teaching one child at home requires just a couple of hours a day. The rest can be spent being a child.…playing outdoors and learning practical skills, like cooking and budgeting. No homework! Not needed after hours spent in the classroom. This is where grandparents can get involved if they are able and live close enough.

Private schools are no different and quite expensive.

It’s the same here….and no doubt in many other countries…..do we really expect anything else this late in the day? Satan was gonna get angry towards the end, and create all manner of distractions and diversions to lead people astray. He knows that he is going down…but he is going to take as many down with him as he can.

Agreed, keep in mind that the same wokeness we see in schools, the workplace, and society in general has also infiltrated the churches. LGBTQ flags waving outside various protestant churches. Those who refuse to give in lift up a standard as Isaiah says will be hated and labeled racist and bigots.

 

[Aunty Jane]

according to one source:

“As a historical document, as a cultural document, it absolutely should be taught in schools,” Lankford, a pastor, said. “As a religious document, that’s up to parents and to faith leaders off-campus.”
So as a historical and cultural document, it will be taught, as a religious document it will not, that will be up to parents to teach their children.

Historical? What of those who see the Bible as just full of myths and legends? Some don’t even believe that Jesus existed but was an imaginary figure in the role of a hero much like their cartoon superheroes. Who can prove that the Bible is true historically or culturally? Are they going to fly in the face of science and fail to teach evolution now? You don’t think there will be a backlash? It’s too late to go back….those times are long gone. That is a time when ignorance was bliss because you just accepted things as they were taught to everyone…..you cannot do that now….freedom of religion, as well as freedom to live without it, is now ingrained in modern society. Morality is now non existent…..try bringing back Bible laws on sexual conduct and marriage….and wait for the eruption….

As for the Cultural aspect…..We live in mixed cultures, so how is it going to work? People of all faiths and cultures were invited to live in our countries…..are we going to have to kick them out?

 

[Berean]

Historical? What of those who see the Bible as just full of myths and legends? Some don’t even believe that Jesus existed but was an imaginary figure in the role of a hero much like their cartoon superheroes. Who can prove that the Bible is true historically or culturally? Are they going to fly in the face of science and fail to teach evolution now? You don’t think there will be a backlash? It’s too late to go back….those times are long gone. That is a time when ignorance was bliss because you just accepted things as they were taught to everyone…..you cannot do that now….freedom of religion, as well as freedom to live without it, is now ingrained in modern society. Morality is now non existent…..try bringing back Bible laws on sexual conduct and marriage….and wait for the eruption….

As for the Cultural aspect…..We live in mixed cultures, so how is it going to work? People of all faiths and cultures were invited to live in our countries…..are we going to have to kick them out?

Can you blame them for trying? As one of Jehovah's Witnesses how do you deal with people you come in contact with who say "I'm an atheist", do you walk away or do you reason with them? When your missionaries go overseas, how do they handle Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist and the cultural aspect?

 

[TLHKAJ]

Really, is the KJV the best version for children to read when their Metadata resource for reading is based on the English used today within their respective districts.


Putting Bibles into school classroom is a great idea, but how well will the children be able to comprehend the language of the KJV. Even many of the younger teachers will also have a comprehension problem and opt for more modern English literature that they can relate too.

Perhaps the money to be spent on the KJV bibles would be more effective if a more modern translation was given instead.

Why not the KJV? God's Word doesn't return to Him void, but accomplishes the thing He sent it to do. I came to Christ at age 13, from a home of heathens. I had a KJV and the Spirit of God quickened it to my understanding just fine. In school, they teach (or should teach) how to learn the meanings of words by looking at its context. It's great practice. And God is perfectly able to quicken His Word to the hearts of children and adolescents.

Also, my only concern about Bibles in schools is that some ungodly teacher may manipulate and twist and impose their own beliefs about the scriptures. I think it should be there as a choice of each student if they want to have access to the Bible to read it and time should be given for them to do so ...probably library time.

 

[Aunty Jane]

Can you blame them for trying? As one of Jehovah's Witnesses how do you deal with people you come in contact with who say "I'm an atheist", do you walk away or do you reason with them? When your missionaries go overseas, how do they handle Muslims, Hindus, Buddhist and the cultural aspect?

How did Jesus and his disciples respond to those who did not respond to them? They ‘shook the dust off’ and continued preaching. (Matt 10:11-14) Those who are looking for God will find him. He knows who they are and where they are. We have so many stories of people praying to God for his truth, only to have Witnesses knock at their door and give them what they were searching for. You would be truly amazed at the responses we get sometimes…it’s very heart warming and makes all our efforts to find the sheep so worthwhile.

In today’s world there is so much religious confusion, but anyone who wants to listen is encouraged to do so, no matter how they identify themselves….atheists, agnostics or those of any religious persuasion. God is the one who “draws” people to his truth. (John 6:44) We have in our ranks former evil doers who have completely changed their lives to conform to Christ’s standards. Mobsters, gang members and people of very violent natures are now as gentile as lambs.….forgiven of their past deeds they can start again in a new life free from guilt and having the privilege of imparting their experience to others in similar circumstances.

We witness to people of all faiths and try to find common ground with them as Paul did with the “Men of Athens” to whom he offered the good news about their “unknown god”. He found a god that they acknowledge had existence, but whom they did not yet know. Paul said he had come to teach them about that God.

Jehovah does not read labels…he reads hearts.

 

[Jay Ross]

Why not the KJV? God's Word doesn't return to Him void, but accomplishes the thing He sent it to do. I came to Christ at age 13, from a home of heathens. I had a KJV and the Spirit of God quickened it to my understanding just fine. In school, they teach (or should teach) how to learn the meanings of words by looking at its context. It's great practice. And God is perfectly able to quicken His Word to the hearts of children and adolescents.

My post that you quoted was asking if the KJV was suitable for the students to read considering the differences in the language between when the KJV was written and the English usage of today.

We really need to be wise when we give children bibles to read.

When our granddaughter asked us for a bible to read, we gave her the NIV that we had given to her mother years earlier to read.

She became interested in Christianity from watching U-tube videos and wanted to read the scriptures for herself. All that we can do is encourage her to read at her pace and trust God to keep drawing her to Himself so that she will become a light for the rest of her family, including her mother and father.

My wife and I have become her greatest supporters, but we also have to be mindful of her family environment in which she lives.

We are both trusting God and giving Him thanks that he has heard our prayer for our daughter's family.

 

[Berean]

How did Jesus and his disciples respond to those who did not respond to them? They ‘shook the dust off’ and continued preaching. (Matt 10:11-14)

Sorry, but what does that have to do with the topic at handf?

Those who are looking for God will find him. He knows who they are and where they are. We have so many stories of people praying to God for his truth, only to have Witnesses knock at their door and give them what they were searching for. You would be truly amazed at the responses we get sometimes…it’s very heart warming and makes all our efforts to find the sheep so worthwhile.

And who is to say if such lessons in schools will not spark someone's interest in wanting to investigate the Scriptures more?

In today’s world there is so much religious confusion, but anyone who wants to listen is encouraged to do so, no matter how they identify themselves….atheists, agnostics or those of any religious persuasion. God is the one who “draws” people to his truth. (John 6:44) We have in our ranks former evil doers who have completely changed their lives to conform to Christ’s standards. Mobsters, gang members and people of very violent natures are now as gentile as lambs.….forgiven of their past deeds they can start again in a new life free from guilt and having the privilege of imparting their experience to others in similar circumstances.

Exactly my point

We witness to people of all faiths and try to find common ground with them as Paul did with the “Men of Athens” to whom he offered the good news about their “unknown god”. He found a god that they acknowledge had existence, but whom they did not yet know. Paul said he had come to teach them about that God.

Jehovah does not read labels…he reads hearts.

Yes, HE reads the heart, NOT you or I.

 

[Aunty Jane]

Sorry, but what does that have to do with the topic at handf?

You asked how we preach to atheists and people of different faiths….and I answered….just like Jesus and the disciples did….when they gained a listening ear they preached the message of the kingdom. Those who don’t want to discuss anything or who just want to argue, are left to themselves….we are not there to force ourselves on anyone. We are just the messengers…..OK?

And who is to say if such lessons in schools will not spark someone's interest in wanting to investigate the Scriptures more?

School is no place for spiritual education. Parents need to know what their children are learning…especially being provided a Bible with political additions like the pledge of allegiance. Christianity has no nationality or national pride, nor is it a supporter of any earthly Kingdoms. The one who rules this world is in control of all governments and can give rulership to whomever he wants. (Luke 4:5-7) The devil showed Jesus “ALL the kingdoms of the world” and offered them to him in exchange for one act of worship…..did Jesus dispute that statement and tell the devil that they were not his to give?

Patriotism is opposed to Christian worship in that it puts country before God and before the things taught by Christ....he told us to be “NO PART of this world“ that is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)
If you support the devil’s appointed rulers, you share responsibility for what they do in the office you helped to put them in.

What was the responsibility of Jehovah’s ancient servants, the prophets? To whom was Ezekiel sent with his message? It was to God’s own people in exile in Babylon.
To Ezekiel God said….”When I say to someone wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him, and you fail to speak in order to warn the wicked one to turn from his wicked course so that he may stay alive, he will die for his error because he is wicked, but I will ask his blood back from you. 19 But if you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.”

Though the people would be very hardhearted, nonetheless the warning was necessary so that they would know that Jehovah had had sent a prophet to them. Even though they would refuse to listen, if he failed to warn them with the words that Jehovah gave him, he would be held responsible for their lives—he would be bloodguilty because he failed to warn them. Like Noah, the majority refused to listen, but their blood was on their own hands not on the prophet’s. Noah also preached righteousness to the people, but they took no notice. The people of our day will also reject the truth in favor of satanic lies fed to them by his false religious system.
Everyone deserves a warning even if they ignore it. Their destiny is determined by their own actions.

Exactly my point

What was the point? Everyone is given an opportunity to demonstrate where their loyalties lie…..whether they have chosen to be “part of the world” or not. If we are “friends with the world” or active supporters of the political figures that run our country, we put ourselves in opposition to God.
James 4:4…
”Adulteresses, (unfaithful ones) do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God.”

What part of the “whole world“ is not under satan’s control? Don’t be fooled by what appears on the surface….he’s good at deception and human manipulation.

Yes, HE reads the heart, NOT you or I.

When have I ever said that? We are the messengers….it is our responsibility to take the Christian message out to a hostile audience, like the first Christians did without fear or favor. God will see their response to our message and do what he has always done, “drawn” that one by his spirit to the only truth there is. There is no coming to Christ without God’s invitation. (John 6:44; 65)

If we are found stubbornly sticking to our old ways, and to old falsehoods, and relying on the political systems of the world to solve our problems……well, I have news for you…..don’t hold your breath waiting for things to get better…..even if it seems that way…it won’t last long.

 

[Wrangler]

I meant to get back to this and am glad I have the time during the holiday weekend to dredge through AJ's typical 12-paragraph posts, never able to make a concise reply.

It’s a shame that you are not as “extremely well educated” in the document known as the Holy Bible.

Ad Homenim. Shows you've lost the argument.

Your opinion of your own nation is sadly not shared by people of other democratic countries

American Exceptionalism on display. We don't judge ourselves by how much approval from those systems we seek to not emulate.

So, it seems that no one ever gets the message in a two party political system....?

The greatest country to ever exist has room for improvement; going to a parliamentary system would dismantle the winner take all system. Having said that, the Deep State got the message with the MAGA landslide.

In order to “make America great again” it would have to have been “great” in the first place. Like your country, half of mine are homeless due to greed and political mismanagement.

Appeal to Strawman. You really think half of American citizens are homeless? You really think half of Australian citizens are homeless?

 

[Wrangler]

Where did I say that law should be abolished?

Already explained. It was implied in your foolish statement that you cannot force people to do things against their will.

God is going to make the world great again.....I’ll wait for that promise to be fulfilled

It’s a shame that you are not as “extremely well educated” in the document known as the Holy Bible.

We are not supposed to passively wait but seek, knock, ask, work to help those in need and convert the nations of the world. You would know that we have work to do and not commanded to passively wait if you understood the Bible nearly as well as you claim.

Appeal to Strawman. You keep pretending Christians are limited to political action commanded in the Bible and denying, unlike Christ, we have a duty of citizenship, in addition to our faith, and there is no conflict in carrying out either duty. The Bible does not command us to brush our teeth or shower but we in the West do - and it does not blaspheme God.

 

[Wrangler]

I hope however that you aren't relying on theologically university trained teachers to explain the Bible to students.

This reminds me of a born again Christian friend who was an English major at a secular college. One elective was "Literature of the Bible." We all know the Bible is a rich tapestry of literal history, lots of figurative language, poetry, edicts, and various rhetorical devices. He was disappointed that rather than uplift the Holy text, the class was presented as a critique.

No matter how the public schools address the question of who will be teaching the Bible to children, it will be fraught with difficulties.

Se le vie. There is a risk either way. Weren't we given a bold spirit?

 

[Matthias]

This reminds me of a born again Christian friend who was an English major at a secular college. One elective was "Literature of the Bible." We all know the Bible is a rich tapestry of literal history, lots of figurative language, poetry, edicts, and various rhetorical devices. He was disappointed that rather than uplift the Holy text, the class was presented as a critique.


Se le vie. There is a risk either way. Weren't we given a bold spirit?

Send me your children and I’ll teach them. Send me your neighbor’s children and I’ll teach them too.

 

[Matthias]

 

[Berean]

School is no place for spiritual education. Parents need to know what their children are learning…especially being provided a Bible with political additions like the pledge of allegiance.

Who says school is not for spiritual education? There was a time at least in the United States where religion was taught in public schools. I recall reciting the Lord's prayer every morning before class. I also recall in my grade school's world history book, a whole chapter on Jesus.

Christianity has no nationality or national pride, nor is it a supporter of any earthly Kingdoms. The one who rules this world is in control of all governments and can give rulership to whomever he wants. (Luke 4:5-7) The devil showed Jesus “ALL the kingdoms of the world” and offered them to him in exchange for one act of worship…..did Jesus dispute that statement and tell the devil that they were not his to give?

True Christianity IS a political movement, it's a Theocracy made of the Lord's "called out ones" the church, the ecclesia, the spirit-begotten. We're not part of this world, (John 13:1; 17; 18:36) but we're in the world. We have to work and live in this world, we have to mingle with the world. We are "strangers and pilgrims" in this world (1 Peter 2:11)

Patriotism is opposed to Christian worship in that it puts country before God and before the things taught by Christ....he told us to be “NO PART of this world“ that is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)

Are you not patriotic for the Kingdom?

If you support the devil’s appointed rulers, you share responsibility for what they do in the office you helped to put them in.

Don't assume, my only interest in politics is to see where we are in my heavenly Father's prophetic timeline. I don't vote, never have, never will. Never even registered to vote.

What was the responsibility of Jehovah’s ancient servants, the prophets? To whom was Ezekiel sent with his message? It was to God’s own people in exile in Babylon.
To Ezekiel God said….”When I say to someone wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him, and you fail to speak in order to warn the wicked one to turn from his wicked course so that he may stay alive, he will die for his error because he is wicked, but I will ask his blood back from you. 19 But if you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.”

Ah, so you're a prophet now? Your witness work determines who lives and dies based on their reactions? That's a heavy burden to bare.

What was the point? Everyone is given an opportunity to demonstrate where their loyalties lie…..

Yes, but that time is not now, as you stated correctly, Satan is the god of this world, who has "blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. 4:4 You knocking on doors and standing on street corners with your little carts, isn't going to change that. You miss the whole purpose of the preaching work, but I digress, the world's eye shall be opened when the adversary is abyss and no longer a threat to humanity. Then the nations will learn what God did for them through the person of Christ Jesus. During that millennial reign the world will be taught of Jehovah, during the "little season" when Satan is let loose, (Rev 20:3) mankind will be perfect and put on trial, those who fail will die the second death, those who pass will enjoy eternal life.

When have I ever said that? We are the messengers….it is our responsibility to take the Christian message out to a hostile audience, like the first Christians did without fear or favor. God will see their response to our message and do what he has always done, “drawn” that one by his spirit to the only truth there is. There is no coming to Christ without God’s invitation. (John 6:44; 65)

Again I ask, for what purpose??? What is the purpose if the preaching work??

If we are found stubbornly sticking to our old ways, and to old falsehoods, and relying on the political systems of the world to solve our problems……well, I have news for you…..don’t hold your breath waiting for things to get better…..even if it seems that way…it won’t last long.

But things will get better ...

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. - Rev 21:3-5​

 

[Aunty Jane]

Who says school is not for spiritual education? There was a time at least in the United States where religion was taught in public schools. I recall reciting the Lord's prayer every morning before class. I also recall in my grade school's world history book, a whole chapter on Jesus.

Religious education should be the responsibility of parents, and the spiritual shepherds that God has always provided for his worshippers.......parents also have the responsibility to set the right example. Children learn what they live, not always what they are told.
Reciting the Lord’s Prayer is a symptom of a lazy Christian. Where did Jesus tell us to pray that prayer?
Just before the Lord’s Prayer in Matt 6:5-9, Jesus says...

“...when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6  But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 7  When praying, do not say the same things over and over again as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8  So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.”

9  You must pray, then, this way:.....”

So it is a model for our own prayers, not to be mindlessly recited by rote on every occasion....

True Christianity IS a political movement, it's a Theocracy made of the Lord's "called out ones" the church, the ecclesia, the spirit-begotten. We're not part of this world, (John 13:1; 17; 18:36) but we're in the world. We have to work and live in this world, we have to mingle with the world. We are "strangers and pilgrims" in this world (1 Peter 2:11)

Theocracy is rule by God, not rule by man. What is the way satan rules this world if not through his corrupt political system....we are to be NO PART of that. We do have to live in the world, but we do not have to be part of its thoroughly corrupted rulership. God will deal with all that when his Kingdom takes over the reigns, and brings God’s rulership back to us. (Dan 2:44)

Are you not patriotic for the Kingdom?

For God’s rulership? Very much so.....but we cannot have dual citizenship with a foot in both camps.
Rulership by God is the complete opposite of rulership by man.
“Friendship with the world” makes one “an enemy of God”. (James 4:4)

Don't assume, my only interest in politics is to see where we are in my heavenly Father's prophetic timeline. I don't vote, never have, never will. Never even registered to vote.

Yet you seem to defend them. Even approving of the things they do puts you out of sync with Jehovah.
The wars of the nations want to drag us all in....but true disciples of the Christ will have no part in these things. What if self professed Christians are on the opposing side? What then? (1 John 4:20-21)

Ah, so you're a prophet now? Your witness work determines who lives and dies based on their reactions? That's a heavy burden to bare.

How is it that Jesus commanded it to be done right up to the end? His last words to his disciples were...

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

How long was this preaching to go on for? As long as this world still exists. (Matt 24:14)
what is “the good news (gospel) of the Kingdom”? No one in Christendom seems to be able to tell us....can you?

Yes, but that time is not now, as you stated correctly, Satan is the god of this world, who has "blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. 4:4 You knocking on doors and standing on street corners with your little carts, isn't going to change that.

Noah’s preaching to the people of his day didn’t change anything for those who refused to heed his warning either...did it? Noah’s words would ring in their ears as they struggled to stay afloat in the raging waters, wishing they had listened....can you imagine the knocks on the side of the ark and the people screaming for help, yet God had closed the door...not Noah. We have no idea how long the door of opportunity today will remain open.

What it did, was give those people no excuse. He preached to them for decades as he was building the structure that would save only 8 souls and all the animal species that God brought to Noah for salvation.

Knocking on doors is what Jesus sent his disciples out to do (Matt 10:11-14; Acts 5:42; Acts 20:20)......it’s a work only God’s spirit can direct with over 8 million preachers in all nations obeying Jesus in ‘the great commission’, without finding excuses not to do it.

You miss the whole purpose of the preaching work, but I digress, the world's eye shall be opened when the adversary is abyss and no longer a threat to humanity. Then the nations will learn what God did for them through the person of Christ Jesus. During that millennial reign the world will be taught of Jehovah, during the "little season" when Satan is let loose, (Rev 20:3) mankind will be perfect and put on trial, those who fail will die the second death, those who pass will enjoy eternal life.

That is a very flawed conclusion, IMO. The “goats” will be dispatched at the harvest time...the time of Christ’s return as judge, these will have already identified themselves before his manifestation, and the great tribulation will claim many lives, just as the flood of Noah’s day did. There will be no excuses when the judgment begins and it’s conclusions will be final. (Matt 7:21-23; Matt 24:37-39)

After that cleansing of the earth, Christ will then begin the resurrection of those who have died in times past (John 5:28-29).....these will be subjected to a period of judgment so that they have an opportunity to learn about the true God and his redeemer who’s life has also purchased theirs. The devil and his hoards will be confined for the entire 1000 years, after all have reached sinless perfection, then Satan will be released to have one last shot at redeemed, sinless humanity. He will even claim victims, but these will go down into everlasting death with him and his cronies.

Those with “the heavenly calling” (Heb 3:1) will rule over the redeemed ones on earth, bringing us back to God’s original purpose for us, here on the earth. Most people have no clue as to why we are even here.

Again I ask, for what purpose??? What is the purpose if the preaching work??

If you don’t know why Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, then you have consigned yourself to those who oppose him. It was not a recommendation to preach...it was a command.
All of Jehovah’s Witnesses are preachers....obedient to Christ’s command, because people’s lives are at stake. It’s a search and rescue mission.

But things will get better ...

Not in satan’s world they won’t......
The Scripture you quote is about the successful rule of God’s Kingdom in bringing redeemed humanity back into reconciliation with God. All the “former things” will have “passed away”....nothing in that future will have any trace of the past woes that the devil has inflicted on all of us.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. - Rev 21:3-5​

Very much looking forward to the fulfilment of that prophesy....

 

[Wrangler]

Religious education should be the responsibility of parents

All education is the responsibility of the parents. The purpose of public schools existing is like a lawyer, to assist with this responsibility.

While authority can be delegated, responsibility cannot be delegated,

 

[Berean]

Religious education should be the responsibility of parents, and the spiritual shepherds that God has always provided for his worshippers.......parents also have the responsibility to set the right example.

So why aren't there Jehovah's Witness schools?

Theocracy is rule by God, not rule by man. What is the way satan rules this world if not through his corrupt political system....we are to be NO PART of that. We do have to live in the world, but we do not have to be part of its thoroughly corrupted rulership. God will deal with all that when his Kingdom takes over the reigns, and brings God’s rulership back to us. (Dan 2:44)

Agreed, with a slight adjustment. The Theocracy is ruled by The Christ, head and body (Jesus and his Church).

Yet you seem to defend them. Even approving of the things they do puts you out of sync with Jehovah.

I don't defend them, I simply understand them. For instance, we live in a society that resembles a bar scene from a Star Wars movie, all the freaks of nature. Personally, that's their choice, if they want to live that lifestyle, gay, lesbians, trans, and everything else in between, that's on them. Go ahead. If women want to shave their heads and swear off sex for the next 4 years while Trump is in office, have at it. What's that got to do with me? It's not my business. If schools want to teach the religion or allow the church of satan the same rights, so what?

I get up every morning, do my routine before heading to work, come home, make dinner and the spend the rest of the evenings preparing for Bible studies. I for the most part don't watch TV or watch the news, except for what I see on my phone, in fact, I don't even have cable, I disconnected it a while ago. My only interest in political and world events is to see where we are in God's stream of time.

So do me a favor, don't lump me in with the rest of Christendom who believes that America was founded by God and that it's a Christian nation. It may have been founded by God-fearing men on Biblical principals, but it is far from God's kingdom on earth.

The wars of the nations want to drag us all in....but true disciples of the Christ will have no part in these things. What if self professed Christians are on the opposing side? What then? (1 John 4:20-21)

There's a difference between as you say, "true disciples of the Christ" and "self professed Christians." True disciples of Christ are those who have made a full consecration to God, (Romans 12:1, 2) those who have been anointed with the holy Spirit and adopted as sons (Ephesians 1:5). Only the spirit-begotten, the Little Flock are true disciples of Christ.

How is it that Jesus commanded it to be done right up to the end? His last words to his disciples were...

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

How long was this preaching to go on for? As long as this world still exists. (Matt 24:14)
what is “the good news (gospel) of the Kingdom”? No one in Christendom seems to be able to tell us....can you?

Can I? Of course. But the question I posed to you was not "WHAT is the Good News?", but "what is the purpose of the preaching work?" Can you answer that with scripture and reason?

That is a very flawed conclusion, IMO. The “goats” will be dispatched at the harvest time...the time of Christ’s return as judge, these will have already identified themselves before his manifestation, and the great tribulation will claim many lives, just as the flood of Noah’s day did. There will be no excuses when the judgment begins and it’s conclusions will be final. (Matt 7:21-23; Matt 24:37-39)

So, 8 million preachers will reach every man, woman and child with their good news? Tell me something, was the flood global? Did Noah all over the world and give a warning to everyone?

After that cleansing of the earth, Christ will then begin the resurrection of those who have died in times past (John 5:28-29).....these will be subjected to a period of judgment so that they have an opportunity to learn about the true God and his redeemer who’s life has also purchased theirs. The devil and his hoards will be confined for the entire 1000 years, after all have reached sinless perfection, then Satan will be released to have one last shot at redeemed, sinless humanity. He will even claim victims, but these will go down into everlasting death with him and his cronies.

Those with “the heavenly calling” (Heb 3:1) will rule over the redeemed ones on earth, bringing us back to God’s original purpose for us, here on the earth. Most people have no clue as to why we are even here.

Ah, so the resurrected ones "will be subjected to a period of judgment so that they have an opportunity to learn about the true God and his redeemer whose life has also purchased theirs." But those won't have that opportunity because they rejected your message? That doesn't seem fair, especially since those on the "cleansed earth" will have an advantage, and that is they will learn free from Satan's influence, no one to tempt them. But the others, those now are living under the rulership of Satan and his demonic minions. He rules the power of the air.

If you don’t know why Jesus sent out his disciples to preach, then you have consigned yourself to those who oppose him. It was not a recommendation to preach...it was a command.
All of Jehovah’s Witnesses are preachers....obedient to Christ’s command, because people’s lives are at stake. It’s a search and rescue mission.

Are, so you're out to save lives? Like the rest of Christendon; "repent and receive Jesus or die!" The only difference is they relegate non-believers to torment, while you relegate them to second death. I guess yours is a kinder-gentler message.

Not in satan’s world they won’t......

I never said in Satan's world. I was referring to the big picture.

The Scripture you quote is about the successful rule of God’s Kingdom in bringing redeemed humanity back into reconciliation with God. All the “former things” will have “passed away”....nothing in that future will have any trace of the past woes that the devil has inflicted on all of us.

Very much looking forward to the fulfilment of that prophesy....

As will I

 

[Wrangler]

It may have been founded by God-fearing men on Biblical principals

Best the next generation learn this fact. And public education can teach them this fact. Simple.

 

[Rockerduck]

I'll not deny God in front of Mankind. If this is of God, you'll see the results and fruit of this. I pray a revival breaks out in Oklahoma. God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthian's 1:27